Just after the unveiling of watchOS 27 with a suite of new features, and with the early Prime Day deals kicking into overdrive, the best deals of the year on Apple Watch Series 11 are landing to kick off the week. Plus, Apple Watch Ultra 3 is at a major $150 off, and SE 3 from $199.

Apple Watch Series 11

Amazon has now dropped the most popular and affordable Apple Watch Series 11 models down to the lowest prices we have ever seen. The 42mm model is now sitting at $279 shipped while the larger 46mm case size has dropped to $309 shipped – that’s $120 off the list prices here.

• 42mm Apple Watch Series 11 from $279 (Reg. $399) – New all-time low
• 42mm Apple Watch Series 11 GPS + Cell from $379 (Reg. $499) – New all-time low
• 42mm Apple Watch Series 11 from $309 (Reg. $429) – New all-time low
• 46mm Apple Watch Series 11 GPS + Cell from $399 (Reg. $529) – All-time low

While we are currently tracking deeper $130 price drops on cell models and as much as $160 off select Titanium configurations, when it comes to the base GPS-only aluminum case options, today’s early Prime Day offer is a new all-time low and the first time we have seen them at better than $100 off.

The Apple Watch Series 11 represents the pinnacle of Apple’s mainstream wearable lineup. It features the S10 chip, offering smooth performance and improved power efficiency. The always-on Retina display now reaches up to 2000 nits, making it easily readable even in direct sunlight. Health sensors include ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and temperature sensing for cycle tracking. The larger 46mm model packs a 1.99-inch display, ideal for viewing notifications and workout metrics at a glance. Battery life stretches to 24 hours on a single charge, a significant upgrade from earlier models.

With these Prime Day discounts, the Series 11 becomes even more compelling. For example, the 42mm GPS model at $279 is a steal for those upgrading from older Series 6 or 7 watches. The jump in display size and brightness, plus new watchOS 27 features coming later this year, make this a perfect time to buy.

Apple Watch Ultra 3

Much of the same goes for Apple Watch Ultra 3. Deals were already quite rare on Apple’s latest flagship premium wearable, and after seeing some notable $99 discounts over the last week or so, Amazon has taken it up (down) a notch to deliver new all-time low pricing at $150 off on select configurations:

• Black Apple Watch Ultra 3 w/ Black Ocean Band $649 (Reg. $799) – New all-time low
• Black Apple Watch Ultra 3 w/ Black Alpine Loop $649 (Reg. $799) – New all-time low
• Black Apple Watch Ultra 3 w/ Black Milanese Loop $749 (Reg. $899) – New all-time low
• Natural Apple Watch Ultra 3 w/ Anchor Blue Ocean Band $649 (Reg. $799) – New all-time low
• Natural Apple Watch Ultra 3 w/ Light Blue Alpine Loop $649 (Reg. $799) – New all-time low
• Natural Apple Watch Ultra 3 w/ Blue Trail Loop $649 (Reg. $799) – New all-time low
• Natural Apple Watch Ultra 3 w/ Natural Milanese Loop $749 (Reg. $899) – New all-time low

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is built for extreme environments. It boasts a 49mm titanium case, a sapphire crystal display that is exceptionally scratch-resistant, and water resistance to 100 meters. The precision dual-frequency GPS ensures accurate tracking even in dense urban areas or remote wilderness. A siren can be activated for emergencies, and the depth gauge with water temperature sensor makes it a favorite for divers and swimmers. Battery life reaches up to 36 hours under normal use, and with low-power settings, it can stretch to 72 hours.

The $150 discount brings the Ultra 3 to $649 for most configurations, a price rarely seen since its launch. This is an ideal opportunity for adventurers or professionals who need a rugged smartwatch without compromising on smarts.

Apple Watch SE 3

The latest Apple Watch SE delivers some serious bang for your buck with what I consider to be the most compelling entry-level Apple wearable ever. It too is now seeing some particularly notable early Prime Day deals with the most affordable 40mm and 44mm returning the lowest price ever for the first time since Black Friday:

• 40mm Apple Watch SE 3 from $199 (Reg. $249)
• 40mm Apple Watch SE 3 Cell from $249 (Reg. $299)
• 44mm Apple Watch SE 3 from $229 (Reg. $279)
• 44mm Apple Watch SE 3 Cell from $249 (Reg. $329)

The Apple Watch SE 3 uses the S10 chip, the same as the Series 11, ensuring fast performance and compatibility with watchOS 27. It features a Retina display with up to 1000 nits brightness, enough for indoor and outdoor use. While it lacks the always-on display, ECG, and blood oxygen sensors of the Series 11, it still includes fall detection, crash detection, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking. The battery lasts up to 18 hours, sufficient for a full day. For users who want core Apple Watch functionality at the lowest price, the SE 3 at $199 is unbeatable.

The 44mm model at $229 offers a larger screen for those who prefer more space. Cellular models add the convenience of staying connected without a phone, perfect for runners or parents who want to leave their iPhone behind.

Apple Watch Series 11 vs Apple Watch SE 3: Which should you buy?

Wondering whether the Apple Watch Series 11 or the Apple Watch SE 3 is a better buy for you? Here’s a handy chart we’ve worked up to help you decide:

SpecApple Watch SE 3Apple Watch Series 11

Sizes40mm and 44mm options42mm and 46mm options

Display size40mm: 1.57-inch display
44mm: 1.78-inch display42mm: 1.79-inch display
46mm: 1.99-inch display

ChipS10 chip.S10 chip (flagship model)

Always-On DisplayYes.Yes.

Display brightnessUp to 1000 nitsUp to 2000 nits

Hypertension notificationsNo.Yes.

ECG appNo.Yes.

Blood oxygen appNo.Yes.

Water temperature sensorNo.Yes.

Depth gaugeNo.Yes.

Battery lifeUp to 18 hoursUp to 24 hours.

ColorsStarlight and midnightAluminum: Space gray, rose gold, polished Jet Black, silver
Titanium: Gold, natural, slate

Current priceFrom $199From $279

If you prioritize advanced health monitoring, a larger display, and longer battery life, the Series 11 is worth the extra cost. The $279 starting price during Prime Day makes it a solid investment. For budget-conscious buyers or first-time smartwatch users, the SE 3 at $199 delivers the essential experience without breaking the bank.

watchOS 27 coming soon

These deals land just after the reveal of watchOS 27 and a bevy of upcoming enhancements to the Apple wrist computer experience, including everything from better battery efficiency and more accurate step tracking to the dynamic app grid and a consolidated Find My app in watchOS.

The new operating system brings several notable improvements. Battery efficiency is optimized across all compatible models, meaning users can expect slightly longer usage between charges. Step tracking algorithms have been refined to better distinguish between walking, running, and other activities, providing more precise daily activity data. The dynamic app grid automatically reorganizes apps based on usage frequency, making the interface more intuitive. Additionally, the Find My app integrates device tracking, item finding, and friend location into a single app, simplifying navigation.

watchOS 27 also introduces new watch faces with richer complications, such as a modular face that can display up to eight data points simultaneously. Developers have access to new APIs for workout tracking and health monitoring, enabling third-party apps to leverage advanced sensors like the temperature sensor in Series 11. The update is expected to roll out to the public later this fall, but developers can already test beta versions. Early adopters who purchase during Prime Day will have their watches ready for the update as soon as it's available.

Another standout feature is the enhanced Workout app, which now includes custom interval training and better integration with cycling power meters via Bluetooth. For swimmers, the auto-set detection has been improved to recognize different strokes more accurately. The Mindfulness app gets updated breathing exercises and a new reflection feature that uses the ambient light sensor to adjust the experience.

Health features continue to evolve. The Series 11 and Ultra 3 both support hypertension notifications, a significant addition for those managing blood pressure. The ECG app has received FDA clearance for detecting atrial fibrillation, and the blood oxygen app offers spot checks and background monitoring. The SE 3, while not including these advanced sensors, still provides comprehensive health insights through heart rate variability trends and sleep stages.

The release of watchOS 27 is timed to coincide with the iPhone's major software update, ensuring seamless integration. Features like Handoff with iPhone for calls and messages, automatic unlocking of Macs, and the ability to use Apple Pay on the go are standard. With these Prime Day discounts, there has never been a better time to join the Apple Watch ecosystem.

Whether you choose the affordable SE 3, the balanced Series 11, or the rugged Ultra 3, you're getting a device that will receive years of software updates. Apple typically supports watchOS for at least five years, so the investment is future-proof. The deals are available now on Amazon, but given the limited stock, interested buyers should act quickly.

In summary, the early Prime Day sales offer unprecedented savings on the complete Apple Watch lineup. From the $199 SE 3 to the $649 Ultra 3, there is an option for every need and budget. Combined with the upcoming watchOS 27 features, these watches will only get better with time.

Source: 9to5Mac News